Harrisburg – Briar Valley Vineyards & Winery, Imlertown, Bedford County, received Best of Show honors and the coveted Governor’s Cup for their fruity and spicy 2008 Gewurztraminer on Saturday, Jan. 9, at the 2010 Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg.

Owners Tod & Jean Manspeaker also received Best Vinifera honors and a gold medal for the Gewurztraminer; a gold award for their 2008 Riesling; silver awards for a 2008 Chardonnay and 2008 Lemberger; and a bronze medal for a red 2008 Cabernet Franc.

In the Best of Show Fruit division, Cherry Valley Vineyard of Saylorsburg, Monroe County, took home top honors for the second-straight year with their 2009 Raspberry Wine, which received a silver medal last year. Owner Dominic Sorrenti also won silver honors for his 2009 Raspberry Blush and 2009 Raspberry Spumante, and bronze medals for a full-flavored 2009 Chambourcin and 2009 Strawberry Spumante.

Forty-six wineries submitted 328 wines for the competition – more than any other year. Many of these wineries will go on to compete in regional and national contests.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in the nation, featuring nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 285 commercial exhibitors. The show runs Jan. 9-16 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg. Admission is free and parking is $10. Visit www.farmshow.state.pa.us for details.

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